Blanco, by David Bazan
From Pedro the Lion’s Control to Strange Negotiations, Bazan has proven himself a master storyteller through his songs, so it’s no surprise that he continues his craftsmanship on this latest album. Blanco’s most notable difference from other Bazan collections is its sound, which is primarily composed of samples and keyboards. But while fans anticipating the usual rock aesthetic may be disappointed to hear the synthetic wash of “Little Motor” or the programmed drums from “Oblivion,” there are plenty of traditional elements if one listens closely.